Solid-state imaging device and electronic apparatus

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to a solid-state imaging device and an electronic apparatus which allow reduction of optical crosstalk. In an example of B of FIG.  5,  a charge storage unit is formed by a method in which a hole is bored in a substrate, a diffusion layer is formed in a surface of the hole, and an insulating film and an upper electrode are formed so as to fill the hole. In an example of C of FIG.  5,  a charge storage unit is formed by a method in which a hole is bored in a substrate, a diffusion layer is formed in a half (one side) of a surface of the hole, and an insulating film and an upper electrode are formed so as to fill the hole. By placing the charge storage unit (capacitance element) formed in the substrate in the foregoing manner between PDs which are first photoelectric conversion units, it is possible to allow the capacitance element to function as a shield pair against crosstalk between the PDs in a unit pixel. The present disclosure can be applied to a CMOS solid-state imaging device used for an imaging apparatus such as a camera, for example.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a solid-state imaging device and anelectronic apparatus, and particularly to a solid-state imaging deviceand an electronic apparatus which allow reduction of optical crosstalk.

BACKGROUND ART

There is provided a contact image sensor (CIS: CMOS image sensor) whichincludes a capacitor and increases a dynamic range (refer to PatentDocument 1). A CIS is obtained by a method employing a photoelectricconversion element using a “complementary metal-oxide semiconductor”,and the element is referred to as a complementary MOS (CMOS) sensor.

CITATION LIST Patent Document

Patent Document 1: JP 4317115 B2

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention

For the above-described CIS, it is demanded that a dynamic range shouldbe increased with a smaller pixel size.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-describedsituation, and allows reduction of optical crosstalk which occurs due toreduction of a pixel size.

Solutions to Problems

A solid-state imaging device of a first aspect of the present technologyincludes: a pixel array unit in which a plurality of unit pixels arearranged; and a drive unit configured to control an operation of theunit pixels, in which each of the unit pixels includes: a photoelectricconversion unit; and a trench-type charge storage unit configured tostore charge generated by the photoelectric conversion unit.

The charge storage unit is placed between the photoelectric conversionunit and another photoelectric conversion unit included in an adjacentone of the unit pixels.

Each of the unit pixels includes a plurality of the photoelectricconversion units, and the charge storage unit is placed between theplurality of photoelectric conversion units, or between thephotoelectric conversion unit and another photoelectric conversion unitincluded in an adjacent one of the unit pixels.

Each of the unit pixels can further include a reverse-side DTI (RDTI)placed adjacently to the charge storage unit.

The RDTI is formed so as to be joined to the charge storage unit.

The charge storage unit is formed so as to penetrate a substrate.

A potential of one end of the charge storage unit is a ground potential,a power-supply potential, or a third potential.

The potential of the one end of the charge storage unit is set atdifferent potentials at a storing time and a reading time of thephotoelectric conversion unit.

The solid-state imaging device is of a backside-illuminated type.

An electronic apparatus of a first aspect of the present technologyincludes: a solid-state imaging device including: a pixel array unit inwhich a plurality of unit pixels are arranged; and a drive unitconfigured to control an operation of the unit pixels, each of the unitpixels including: a photoelectric conversion unit; and a trench-typecharge storage unit configured to store charge generated by thephotoelectric conversion unit; a signal processing circuit configured toprocess an output signal output from the solid-state imaging device; andan optical system configured to provide incident light to thesolid-state imaging device.

A solid-state imaging device of a second aspect of the presenttechnology includes: a pixel array unit in which a plurality of unitpixels are arranged; and a drive unit configured to control an operationof the unit pixels, in which each of the unit pixels includes: a firstphotoelectric conversion unit; a second photoelectric conversion unithaving a sensitivity lower than that of the first photoelectricconversion unit; a charge storage unit configured to store chargegenerated by the second photoelectric conversion unit, the chargestorage unit including a gate electrode of metal and a High-k insulatingfilm; and a transistor configured to transfer charge generated by thefirst or second photoelectric conversion unit.

The charge storage unit is placed simultaneously with the transistor.

The metal is a metal having a high melting point of Ti, TiN, or W, or acompound of the metal.

The High-k insulating film is Hf02, Al203, or Ta205.

The solid-state imaging device is of a backside-illuminated type.

An electronic apparatus of a second aspect of the present technologyincludes: a solid-state imaging device including: a pixel array unit inwhich a plurality of unit pixels are arranged; and a drive unitconfigured to control an operation of the unit pixels, each of the unitpixels including: a first photoelectric conversion unit; a secondphotoelectric conversion unit having a sensitivity lower than that ofthe first photoelectric conversion unit; a charge storage unitconfigured to store charge generated by the second photoelectricconversion unit, the charge storage unit including a gate electrode ofmetal and a High-k insulating film; and a transistor configured totransfer charge generated by the first or second photoelectricconversion unit, the electronic apparatus further including: a signalprocessing circuit configured to process an output signal output fromthe solid-state imaging device; and an optical system configured toprovide incident light to the solid-state imaging device.

A solid-state imaging device of a third aspect of the present technologyincludes: a pixel array unit in which a plurality of unit pixels arearranged; a drive unit configured to control an operation of the unitpixels; and a trench-shaped element isolation.

The element isolation is formed so as to surround a specific one of theunit pixels.

Each of the unit pixels includes: a first photoelectric conversion unit;and a second photoelectric conversion unit having a sensitivity lowerthan that of the first photoelectric conversion unit, and the elementisolation is formed so as to surround the second photoelectricconversion unit.

The element isolation includes Hf02, Al203, or Ta205.

An electronic apparatus of a third aspect of the present technologyincludes: a solid-state imaging device including: a pixel array unit inwhich a plurality of unit pixels are arranged; a drive unit configuredto control an operation of the unit pixels; and a trench-shaped elementisolation; a signal processing circuit configured to process an outputsignal output from the solid-state imaging device; and an optical systemconfigured to provide incident light to the solid-state imaging device.

In the first aspect of the present technology, the pixel array unit inwhich the plurality of unit pixels are arranged, and the drive unitconfigured to control an operation of the unit pixels, are provided.Then, each of the unit pixels includes the photoelectric conversionunit, and the trench-type charge storage unit configured to store chargegenerated by the photoelectric conversion unit.

In the second aspect of the present technology, the pixel array unit inwhich the plurality of unit pixels are arranged, and the drive unitconfigured to control an operation of the unit pixels, are provided.Then, each of the unit pixels includes: the first photoelectricconversion unit; the second photoelectric conversion unit having asensitivity lower than that of the first photoelectric conversion unit;and the charge storage unit configured to store charge generated by thesecond photoelectric conversion unit, the charge storage unit includinga gate electrode of metal and a High-k insulating film; and a transistorconfigured to transfer charge generated by the first or secondphotoelectric conversion unit.

In the third aspect of the present technology, the pixel array unit inwhich the plurality of unit pixels are arranged, the drive unitconfigured to control an operation of the unit pixels, and atrench-shaped element isolation are provided.

Effects of the Invention

According to the present technology, optical crosstalk can be reduced.Particularly, optical crosstalk occurring due to reduction of a pixelsize can be reduced.

It is noted that the effects described in the present specification aremere examples, and effects of the present technology are not limited tothe effects described in the present specification and can includeadditional effects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an outline of aconfiguration of a CMOS image sensor to which the present technology isapplied.

FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram (No. 1) showing another systemconfiguration of the CMOS image sensor to which the present technologyis applied.

FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram (No. 2) showing anotherdifferent system configuration of the CMOS image sensor to which thepresent technology is applied.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration example of a unitpixel according to a first embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of acharge storage unit in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a configuration example of the unit pixelin FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an example in which a DTI is additionallyplaced in the unit pixel in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing another configuration example of the unitpixel in FIG. 4.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an example in which a DTI is additionallyplaced in the unit pixel in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing another configuration exampleof a charge storage unit according to the present technology.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing another differentconfiguration example of the charge storage unit according to thepresent technology.

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a configuration example of the unit pixelin FIG. 4.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of theunit pixel in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart which describes a forming process for a chargestorage unit in FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a pixel arrayunit.

FIG. 16 is a process chart showing an example of a forming process.

FIG. 17 is a process chart showing an example of a forming process.

FIG. 18 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a pixel arrayunit.

FIG. 19 is a process chart showing an example of a forming process.

FIG. 20 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration example of a unitpixel according to a second embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 21 is a plan view showing a configuration example of the unit pixelin FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a view showing a configuration example of the unit pixel inFIG. 20.

FIG. 23 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a unit pixelaccording to a third embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of theunit pixel in FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing another configuration exampleof the unit pixel in FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 is a flow chart which describes a forming process for a chargestorage unit in FIG. 24.

FIG. 27 is a process chart showing an example of a forming process.

FIG. 28 is a process chart showing an example of a forming process.

FIG. 29 is a process chart showing an example of a forming process.

FIG. 30 is a flow chart which describes a forming process for a chargestorage unit in FIG. 25.

FIG. 31 is a process chart showing an example of a forming process.

FIG. 32 is a process chart showing an example of a forming process.

FIG. 33 is a process chart showing an example of a forming process.

FIG. 34 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a unit pixelaccording to a fourth embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of theunit pixel in FIG. 34.

FIG. 36 is a plan view showing an example of arrangement of four unitpixels in a pixel array unit.

FIG. 37 is a plan view showing an example of arrangement of elementisolations and on-chip lenses on a front-surface side.

FIG. 38 is a plan view showing an example of arrangement of elementisolations and on-chip lenses on a back-surface side.

FIG. 39 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a pixel arrayunit according to a fifth embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of thepixel array unit in FIG. 39.

FIG. 41 is a plan view showing another configuration example of thepixel array unit according to the fifth embodiment of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of thepixel array unit in FIG. 41.

FIG. 43 is a plan view showing another different configuration exampleof the pixel array unit according to the fifth embodiment of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of thepixel array unit in FIG. 43.

FIG. 45 is a plan view showing a still further different configurationexample of the pixel array unit according to the fifth embodiment of thepresent technology.

FIG. 46 is a view showing examples of use of an image sensor to whichthe present technology is applied.

FIG. 47 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of anelectronic apparatus to which the present technology is applied.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Below, modes for carrying out the present disclosure (which will bereferred to as embodiments) will be described. It is noted thatdescription will be made in the following order.

1. A solid-state imaging device to which the present technology isapplied.

2. A first embodiment (a trench capacitor of a circuit with onephotodiode).

3. A second embodiment (a trench capacitor of a circuit with twophotodiodes).

4. A third embodiment (a metal-gate-electrode capacitor).

5. A fourth embodiment (a trench-shaped element isolation of a circuitwith two photodiodes).

6. A fifth embodiment (a trench-shaped element isolation:modifications).

7. Examples of use of an image sensor.

8. An example of an electronic apparatus.

1. Solid-State Imaging Device to which the Present Technology is Applied

{Basic System Configuration}

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an outline of aconfiguration of a solid-state imaging device to which the presenttechnology is applied, such as a CMOS image sensor which is one kind ofan X-Y addressing solid-state imaging device. In this regard, a CMOSimage sensor is an image sensor which is manufactured by applying, orpartially utilizing, a CMOS process. For example, a solid-state imagingdevice includes a backside-illuminated CMOS image sensor.

A CMOS image sensor 10 according to the present application caseincludes a pixel array unit 11 formed on a semiconductor substrate(chip) not shown, and a peripheral circuit unit integrated on the samesemiconductor substrate as the pixel array unit 11. The peripheralcircuit unit includes a vertical drive unit 12, a column processing unit13, a horizontal drive unit 14, and a system control unit 15, forexample.

The CMOS image sensor 10 further includes a signal processing unit 18and a data storage unit 19. The signal processing unit 18 and the datastorage unit 19 may be mounted on the same substrate as the CMOS imagesensor 10, or alternatively be placed on a substrate distinct from thesubstrate that carries the CMOS image sensor 10. Also, each processingperformed by the signal processing unit 18 and the data storage unit 19may be performed by an external-signal processing unit provided on asubstrate distinct from the substrate that carries the CMOS image sensor10, such as a digital signal processor (DSP) circuit or software.

The pixel array unit 11 includes two-dimensional arrangement of unitpixels in which the unit pixels each including a photoelectricconversion unit which generates and stores charge in accordance with anamount of received light (which will hereinafter be simply referred toas a “pixel” in some portions), are arranged in a row direction and acolumn direction, in other words, in a matrix. In this regard, a rowdirection means a direction in which pixels in a pixel row are arranged(that is, a horizontal direction), and a column direction means adirection in which pixels in a pixel column are arranged (that is, avertical direction). A specific circuit configuration and details of apixel structure of a unit pixel will be described later.

In the pixel array unit 11, for pixel arrangement in a matrix, a pixeldrive line 16 is installed along a row direction so as to correspond toeach pixel row, and a vertical signal line 17 is installed along acolumn direction so as to correspond to each pixel column. The pixeldrive line 16 transmits a drive signal for a drive at a time of readingout a signal from a pixel. Although FIG. 1 shows one line as the pixeldrive line 16, the pixel drive line 16 is not limited to one line. Oneend of the pixel drive line 16 is connected to an output endcorresponding to each row of the vertical drive unit 12.

The vertical drive unit 12 includes a shift register, an addressdecoder, or the like, and drives all pixels in the pixel array unit 11at the same time, or on a-row-by-row basis, or the like. In other words,the vertical drive unit 12, together with the system control unit 15which controls the vertical drive unit 12, forms a drive unit whichcontrols an operation of each pixel in the pixel array unit 11. Althougha specific configuration of the vertical drive unit 12 is not shown, thevertical drive unit 12 is configured so as to have two scan systems of areading scan system and a sweeping scan system generally.

The reading scan system selectively scans unit pixels in the pixel arrayunit 11 sequentially on a row-by-row basis, in order to read out asignal from a unit pixel. A signal read out from a unit pixel is ananalog signal. The sweeping scan system performs a sweeping scan on aread row which is to be subjected to a reading scan by the reading scansystem, earlier than the reading scan by an exposure time.

As a result of the sweeping scan being performed by the sweeping scansystem, unnecessary charge is swept from a photoelectric conversion unitof a unit pixel in a read row, so that the photoelectric conversion unitis reset. Then, by the operation of sweeping unnecessary charge(resetting operation) which is performed by the sweeping scan system, aso-called electronic shutter operation is accomplished. In this regard,an electronic shutter operation means an operation of releasing chargein a photoelectric conversion unit and newly starting exposure (startingstorage of charge).

A signal read out as a result of a reading operation by the reading scansystem corresponds to an amount of light received after an immediatelypreceding reading operation or electronic shutter operation. Then, aperiod from a reading time at which an immediately preceding readingoperation is performed, or a sweeping time at which an immediatelypreceding electronic shutter operation is performed, to a reading timeat which a current reading operation is performed, is a charge exposureperiod in a unit pixel.

A signal output from each unit pixel in a pixel row which is selectivelyscanned by the vertical drive unit 12 is input to the column processingunit 13 via each of the vertical signal lines 17 for each pixel column.The column processing unit 13 performs predetermined signal processingon a signal which is output from each pixel in a selected row via thevertical signal line 17 and temporarily holds a pixel signal on whichsignal processing is performed, for each pixel column of the pixel arrayunit 11.

More specifically, the column processing unit 13 performs at least anoise removing process such as a correlated double sampling (CDS)process or a double data sampling (DDS) process, for example, as signalprocessing. For example, a CDS process removes a reset noise or a fixedpattern noise unique to a pixel, such as variation in a threshold valueof an amplification transistor in a pixel. Other than a noise removingprocess, it is also possible to provide the column processing unit 13with an analog-to-digital (AD) conversion function, for example, so thatan analog pixel signal can be converted to a digital signal, and beoutput.

The horizontal drive unit 14 includes a shift register, an addressdecoder, or the like, and sequentially selects a unit circuitcorresponding to a pixel column of the column processing unit 13. As aresult of a selective scan being performed by the horizontal drive unit14, pixel signals on which signal processing is performed for each unitcircuit in the column processing unit 13 are sequentially output.

The system control unit 15 includes a timing generator which generatesvarious timing signals and the like, and controls a drive of each of thevertical drive unit 12, the column processing unit 13, the horizontaldrive unit 14, and the like, on the basis of various timings generatedby the timing generator.

The signal processing unit 18 has at least an arithmetic processingfunction, and performs various kinds of signal processing such asarithmetic processing on a pixel signal output from the columnprocessing unit 13. For signal processing in the signal processing unit18, the data storage unit 19 temporarily holds data required for thesignal processing.

{Other System Configurations}

The CMOS image sensor 10 to which the present technology is applied isnot limited to the above-described system configuration. As the othersystem configurations, the following system configurations can be cited.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2, cited is a CMOS image sensor 10A havinga system configuration in which the data storage unit 19 is placed at astage subsequent to the column processing unit 13 and a pixel signaloutput from the column processing unit 13 is fed to the signalprocessing unit 18 via the data storage unit 19.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, cited is a CMOS image sensor 10B having asystem configuration in which the column processing unit 13 is providedwith an AD conversion function of performing AD conversion for each row,or each plurality of rows, of the pixel array unit 11, and the datastorage unit 19 and the signal processing unit 18 are provided inparallel with the column processing unit 13.

2. First Embodiment (Circuit Configuration with One Photodiode)

Next, a first embodiment of the present technology will be described.

{Circuit Configuration of Unit Pixel 50}

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration example of a unitpixel 50 placed in a pixel array unit 11 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3.

The unit pixel 50 is configured so as to include a first photoelectricconversion unit 51, a first transfer gate unit 52, a second transfergate unit 54, a charge storage unit 56, a reset gate unit 57, a floatingdiffusion (FD) unit 58, an amplification transistor 59, and a selectiontransistor 60.

Also, for the unit pixels 50, a plurality of drive lines are installedas pixel drive lines 16 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 so as to correspond topixel rows, respectively, for example. Then, various kinds of drivesignals TRG, FDG, RST, and SEL are fed from a vertical drive unit 12shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 via the plurality of drive lines. Those drivesignals are pulse signals which become active while being at a highlevel (a power supply voltage VDD, for example), and become inactivewhile being at a low level (a negative potential, for example), becauseeach transistor of the unit pixel 50 is an NMOS transistor.

The first photoelectric conversion unit 51 includes a photodiode (PD) ofa PN junction, for example. The first photoelectric conversion unit 51generates and stores charge in accordance with an amount of receivedlight.

The first transfer gate unit 52 is connected between the firstphotoelectric conversion unit 51 and the FD unit 58. The drive signalTRG is applied to a gate electrode of the first transfer gate unit 52.When the drive signal TRG becomes active, the first transfer gate unit52 is placed in a conducting state, so that charge stored in the firstphotoelectric conversion unit 51 is transferred to the FD unit 58 viathe first transfer gate unit 52.

The second transfer gate unit 54 is connected between the charge storageunit 56 and the FD unit 58. The drive signal FDG is applied to a gateelectrode of the second transfer gate unit 54. When the drive signal FDGbecomes active, the second transfer gate unit 54 is placed in aconducting state, so that potentials of the charge storage unit 56 andthe FD unit 58 are joined.

The charge storage unit 56 includes a capacitor, for example, and isconnected to the FD unit 58 with the second transfer gate unit 54 beinginterposed. A counter electrode of the charge storage unit 56 isconnected to VFC. It is noted that the counter electrode of the chargestorage unit 56 may be GND. The charge storage unit 56 stores chargewhich is transferred from the first photoelectric conversion unit 51.

The reset gate unit 57 is connected between a power supply VDD and theFD unit 58. The drive signal RST is applied to a gate electrode of thereset gate unit 57. When the drive signal RST becomes active, the resetgate unit 57 is placed in a conducting state, so that a potential of theFD unit 58 is reset to a level of the power supply voltage VDD.

The FD unit 58 performs charge-to-voltage conversion, to convert chargeto a voltage signal and output a resultant signal.

The amplification transistor 59 which has a gate electrode connected tothe FD unit 58 and has a drain electrode connected to the power supplyVDD, serves as an input unit of a reading circuit which reads out chargeheld in the FD unit 58, in other words, a so-called source followercircuit. That is, a source electrode of the amplification transistor 59is connected to a vertical signal line 17 with the selection transistor60 being interposed, so that the amplification transistor 59, togetherwith a constant-current supply connected to one end of the verticalsignal line 17, forms a source follower circuit.

The selection transistor 60 is connected between a source electrode ofthe amplification transistor 59 and the vertical signal line 17. Thedrive signal SEL is applied to a gate electrode of the selectiontransistor 60. When the drive signal SEL becomes active, the selectiontransistor 60 is placed in a conducting state, so that the unit pixel 50is placed in a selected state. As a result of this, a pixel signaloutput from the amplification transistor 59 is output to the verticalsignal line 17 via the selection transistor 60.

It is noted that hereinafter, becoming active of each drive signal willbe also referred to as being turned-on of each drive signal, andbecoming inactive of each drive signal will be also referred to as beingturned-off of each drive signal. Also, hereinafter, being placed in aconducting state of each gate unit or each transistor will be alsoreferred to as being turned-on of each gate unit or each transistor, andbeing placed in a nonconducting state of each gate unit or eachtransistor will be also referred to as being turned-off of each gateunit or each transistor.

{Cross-Sectional View of Charge Storage Unit}

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a capacitanceelement which is the charge storage unit 56 in FIG. 4. A of FIG. 5 showsa capacitor, and B of FIG. 5 and C of FIG. 5 show examples of a trenchcapacitor according to the present technology.

In an example of A of FIG. 5, the charge storage unit 56 includes anupper electrode 71 a, an insulating film 72 a, and a diffusion layer 73a. In an example of B of FIG. 5, the charge storage unit 56 includes anupper electrode 71 b, an insulating film 72 b, and a diffusion layer 73b. In an example of C of FIG. 5, the charge storage unit 56 includes anupper electrode 71 c, an insulating film 72 c, and a diffusion layer 73c.

The upper electrodes 71 a to 71 c formed in a substrate 70 includepoly-Si, for example. The insulating films 72 a to 72 c areinsulating-film capacitors. The diffusion layers 73 a to 73 c areSi-side electrodes.

In the example of A of FIG. 5, the charge storage unit 56 is formed on asurface of a substrate. In contrast thereto, in the example of B of FIG.5, the charge storage unit 56 is formed by a method in which a hole isbored in a substrate 70, the diffusion layer 73 b is formed in a surfaceof the hole, and the insulating film 72 b and the upper electrode 71 bare formed so as to fill the hole. In the example of C of FIG. 5, thecharge storage unit 56 is formed by a method in which a hole is bored inthe substrate 70, the diffusion layer 73 c is formed in a half (oneside) of a surface of the hole, and the insulating film 72 c and theupper electrode 71 c are formed so as to fill the hole. Hereinafter, theupper electrodes 71 b and 71 c, the insulating films 72 b and 72 c, andthe diffusion layers 73 b and 73 c will be collectively referred to asthe upper electrode 71, the insulating film 72, and the diffusion layer73, respectively.

In the examples of B of FIG. 5 and C of FIG. 5, one end of the chargestorage unit 56 is connected to the diffusion layer 73 which storescharge generated by photoelectric conversion, and the other end isconnected to VFC.

A VFC can be connected to the upper electrode 71 which is to serve as aterminal of a capacitor and the diffusion layer 73 in the followingthree ways 1. to 3.

1. To connect a VFC to the upper electrode 71.

2. To connect a VFC to the N-type diffusion layer 73.

3. To connect a VFC to the P-type diffusion layer 73.

With regard to the above, a voltage being applied is arbitrary in thecase 1., is equal to or higher than GND in the case 2., and is equal toGND in the case 3. However, it is preferable that a node is connected toan upper electrode.

It is noted that a voltage of a VFC can be set at different potentialsat a storing time and a reading time of the first photoelectricconversion unit 51, respectively, in addition to a ground potential, apower-supply potential, and a third potential. As an electrode of thecharge storage unit 56 which stores charge generated by photoelectricconversion, either an electrode formed on the insulating film 72 or adiffusion layer formed in a substrate is selected. In this regard, ifthere is a region where a failure in light shielding occurs, a noise isgenerated. In order to suppress such a situation, no diffusion layer isformed in the foregoing region.

The charge storage unit 56 (capacitance element) formed in a substratein the above-described manner is placed between PDs which are the firstphotoelectric conversion units 51. As a result of this, in the unitpixels 50, a capacitance element can function as a shield pair againstcrosstalk between PDs. This increases a dynamic range.

Specifically, crosstalk takes place by two causes of leaking light anddiffusion of charge. Regarding leaking light, incident light is confinedin one PD by reflection from an interface which is caused due to adifference in refractive index between the insulating film 72 of thecharge storage unit 56 which is a capacitance element, and Si, and thiseffect of confining light can reduce crosstalk. Also, regardingdiffusion of charge, the insulating film 72 of a capacitance element hasan effect of blocking a path for diffusion of charge, so that crosstalkis reduced.

It is noted that the insulating film 72 of a capacitor is formed in thesame process as a gate oxide film of a transistor in the unit pixel 50,and alternatively is formed in a different process or a compositeprocess thereof. By making the insulating film 72 thicker than a gateoxide film of a transistor, it is possible to enhance reflectivity of aninterface and improve a shielding effect.

{Plan View of Unit Pixel 50}

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a configuration example of the unit pixelin FIG. 4. FIG. 6 shows an example in which a trench capacitor isemployed for a sectional structure of a capacitance element which is thecharge storage unit 56. In a plan view of FIG. 6, a wire 81-1 connectingthe charge storage unit 56 and the FD unit 58 and a wire 81-2 connectingthe FD unit 58 and a gate electrode of the amplification transistor 59are shown also.

In the case of FIG. 6, the charge storage unit 56 is formed by a methodin which a hole is bored in the substrate 70 and an insulating film andan upper electrode are formed. The charge storage unit 56 is placedbetween the first photoelectric conversion units 51 of the respectiveunit pixels 50. By placing the charge storage unit 56 in each of pluralpositions (three positions in the example of FIG. 6), not in a singleposition, a capacitance value and a shielding effect can be increased.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an example in which a deep trenchisolation (DTI) is additionally placed in the unit pixel in FIG. 6. Inthe example of FIG. 7, a DTI 90 having a shielding effect is placedaround the unit pixel 50. As a result of this, the first photoelectricconversion units 51 are shielded from each other more securely.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a configuration example of the unit pixelin FIG. 4. FIG. 8 shows an example in which capacitance elements whichare charge storage units 56-1 and 56-2 are placed in a plurality ofdirections with respect to the first photoelectric conversion unit 51,and a dashed line denotes a boundary of one unit pixel 50. In a planview of FIG. 8, a wire 81-3 connecting the charge storage units 56-1 and56-2 which are placed in a plurality of directions is shown, in additionto the wire 81-1 and the wire 81-2.

In the case of FIG. 8, the charge storage unit 56-1 is formed by boringof a trench which is vertically long in the figure in the substrate 70,and is placed along a longitudinal (Y-axis) direction of the firstphotoelectric conversion unit 51. The charge storage unit 56-2 is formedby boring of a trench which is horizontally long in the figure in thesubstrate 70, and is placed along a lateral (X-axis) direction of thefirst photoelectric conversion unit 51. As a result of this, the firstphotoelectric conversion unit 51 is shielded from the respective firstphotoelectric conversion units 51 in pixels adjacently placed in fourdirections.

It is noted that by configuring at least one of the charge storage units56-1 and 56-2 so as to be connected to an adjacent pixel via the wire81-3, for example, it is possible to improve area availability.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an example in which a DTI is additionallyplaced in the unit pixel in FIG. 8. In the example of FIG. 9, the DTI 90is placed around a region of the unit pixel 50 which is surrounded by adashed line in FIG. 8. As a result of this, the first photoelectricconversion units 51 are shielded from each other more securely.

{Cross-Sectional View of Charge Storage Unit}

A of FIG. 10 to C of FIG. 10, A of FIG. 11, and B of FIG. 11 arecross-sectional views showing examples in which the charge storage unitaccording to the present technology is applied to the examples in FIGS.5 to 8. In each of those cross-sectional views, a lower side in thefigure is a front-surface side upon which light is incident. As denotedby an arrow in A of FIG. 10, the charge storage unit 56 has nolight-shielding effect against light being incident at a large angle,and crosstalk inevitably occurs between the first photoelectricconversion unit 51 and its adjacent first photoelectric conversion unit51.

In contrast thereto, in a case of B of FIG. 10, by further employing areverse-side DTI (RDTI) 91 including an insulating layer 92, it ispossible to block crosstalk of light being incident at a large anglewhich is denoted by a dashed-line arrow in A of FIG. 10. However, inthis case, crosstalk between the first photoelectric conversion unit 51and its adjacent first photoelectric conversion unit 51 may possiblyoccur due to multiple reflection of light reflected from the wire 81, inthe charge storage unit 56 and the RDTI 91, which is denoted by adashed-line arrow in B of FIG. 11.

Then, as shown in C of FIG. 10, positions of the charge storage unit 56and the RDTI 91 with respect to the first photoelectric conversion unit51 are exchanged, so that crosstalk along a path denoted by adashed-line arrow in B of FIG. 10 can be prevented. Nonetheless, even ina case of C of FIG. 10, depending on a combination of an incident angleand a pattern of the wire 81, crosstalk between the first photoelectricconversion units 51 occurs in some cases as shown in C of FIG. 10.Therefore, by selecting one of the structures in B of FIG. 10 and C ofFIG. 10, considering an optical system and a wiring pattern which are tobe employed, it is possible to minimize crosstalk.

Also, by configuring the charge storage unit 56 which is a capacitanceelement, so as to penetrate a substrate as shown in A of FIG. 11, orconfiguring the charge storage unit 56 which is a capacitance element,and the RDTI 91 so as to be joined to each other as shown in B of FIG.11, it is possible to improve a shielding effect.

{Plan View of Unit Pixel 50}

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing an example of the unit pixel in FIG. 4,and FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 12. FIG. 12 shows anexample in which a capacitance element which is the charge storage unit56 is used for a pixel isolating region 100 between the unit pixels 50on the substrate 70.

The N⁻-region first photoelectric conversion unit 51 is formed in aregion of the unit pixel 50 on the substrate 70, and the charge storageunit 56 including the P⁺-region diffusion layer 73, the insulating film72, and the upper electrode 71 is formed in the pixel isolating region100. For the upper electrode 71 including Poly-Si, the wire 81-1connecting the upper electrode 71 of Poly-Si and a node is installed.

In this case, the charge storage unit 56 functions as a front-side DTI(FDTI), and a substrate-side electrode of the charge storage unit 56functions as a PD isolation.

Next, by referring to a flow chart of FIG. 14, a forming process for thetrench capacitor (charge storage unit 56) in FIG. 12 will be described.In description of FIG. 14, FIGS. 15 to 19 will be referred to asappropriate. It is noted that the forming process of FIG. 14 is aprocess performed by a manufacturing apparatus for a solid-state imagingdevice (which will hereinafter be simply referred to as a manufacturingapparatus), for example.

As shown in a plan view of the pixel array unit 11 in FIG. 15, a regionof the unit pixel 50 and the pixel isolating region 100 are formed inthe substrate 70. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along a lineA-A′ in FIG. 15.

In step S11 of FIG. 14, the manufacturing apparatus forms an N⁻-regionembedded PD (the first photoelectric conversion unit 51) in a region ofthe unit pixel 50 on the substrate 70 (A of FIG. 16).

In step S12, the manufacturing apparatus forms a trench (hole or groove)102 for element isolation in the pixel isolating region 100 (B of FIG.16).

The manufacturing apparatus forms the P⁺-region diffusion layer 73 in asurface of the trench 102 in step S13 (C of FIG. 16). The manufacturingapparatus forms the insulating film 72 in the trench 102 in step S14 (Dof FIG. 16).

The manufacturing apparatus embeds the upper electrode 71 of Poly-Si inthe trench 102 and dopes the upper electrode 71 with an impurity in stepS15 (A of FIG. 17). The manufacturing apparatus performs patterning ofthe upper electrode 71 of Poly-Si in the trench 102 in step S16 (B ofFIG. 17). As a result of this, the charge storage unit 56 is formed inthe pixel isolating region 100 as shown in FIG. 18.

The manufacturing apparatus forms the wire 81-1 connecting the upperelectrode 71 of Poly-Si and a node in step S17 (A of FIG. 19). Themanufacturing apparatus forms a wire connecting the substrate 70 of ap-well to GND in step S18 (B of FIG. 19).

In the above-described manner, a trench capacitor (the charge storageunit 56) is formed in the pixel isolating region 100 on the substrate 70in FIG. 13.

As described above, according to the present technology, a trenchcapacitor is used as a charge storage unit, so that an effect ofincreasing a dynamic range can be produced by an increase of the maximumamount of charge in charge-to-voltage conversion without reducing a PDof a photoelectric conversion unit, and crosstalk of incident light andcharge between PDs can be reduced. Accordingly, a dynamic range can befurther increased, and linearity can be improved.

It is noted that in the above-described unit pixel 50 in FIG. 4, anoverflow path may be formed in TRG (the first transfer gate 52) and FDG(the second transfer gate 54), to be used for an imaging device of awide dynamic range (WDR) which performs a short/long-time charge storageand exposure, for example. At that time, in a case where excessive lightis to be subjected to photoelectric conversion, a noise can bedisregarded to some extent, so that there is no concern about a noisecaused by light leaking into a capacitor. As a result of this, an upperelectrode which does not shield a charge storage unit from light and isnot depleted can be used as a node. That is, in this case, unlike acharge storage unit for a global shutter (GS), light shielding isunnecessary.

3. Second Embodiment (Circuit Configuration with Two PDs)

Next, a second embodiment of the present technology will be described.

(Circuit Configuration of Unit Pixel 150)

FIG. 20 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration example of a unitpixel 150 placed in a pixel array unit 11 in FIGS. 1 to 3.

The unit pixel 150 is similar to the unit pixel 50 in FIG. 4 in that theunit pixel 150 includes a first photoelectric conversion unit 51, afirst transfer gate unit 52, a second transfer gate unit 54, a chargestorage unit 56, a reset gate unit 57, a floating diffusion (FD) unit58, an amplification transistor 59, and a selection transistor 60.

The unit pixel 150 is different from the unit pixel in FIG. 4 in that athird transfer gate unit 151, a fourth transfer gate unit 152, and asecond photoelectric conversion unit 153 are added.

It is noted that for the unit pixels 150, a plurality of drive lines areinstalled as pixel drive lines 16 in FIGS. 1 to 3 so as to correspond topixel columns, respectively, for example. Then, various kinds of drivesignals TRG, TDG, FCG, TGS, RST, and SEL are fed from a vertical driveunit 12 in FIGS. 1 to 3 via the plurality of drive lines. Those drivesignals are pulse signals which become active while being at a highlevel (a power supply voltage VDD, for example), and become inactivewhile being at a low level (a negative potential, for example), becauseeach transistor of the unit pixel 150 is an NMOS transistor.

The first photoelectric conversion unit 51 includes a photodiode of a PNjunction, for example. The first photoelectric conversion unit 51generates and stores charge in accordance with an amount of receivedlight.

The first transfer gate unit 52 is connected between the firstphotoelectric conversion unit 51 and the FD unit 58. The drive signalTRG is applied to a gate electrode of the first transfer gate unit 52.When the drive signal TRG becomes active, the first transfer gate unit52 is placed in a conducting state, so that charge stored in the firstphotoelectric conversion unit 51 is transferred to the FD unit 58 viathe first transfer gate unit 52.

The second transfer gate unit 54 is connected between the charge storageunit 56 and the FD unit 58. The drive signal FDG is applied to a gateelectrode of the second transfer gate unit 54. The third transfer gateunit 151 is connected between the charge storage unit 56 and the FD unit58. The drive signal FCG is applied to a gate electrode of the thirdtransfer gate unit 151. When the drive signal FDG becomes active, thesecond transfer gate unit 54 is placed in a conducting state, and whenthe drive signal FCG becomes active, the second transfer gate unit 54 isplaced in a conducting state, so that potentials of the charge storageunit 56 and the FD unit 58 are joined.

The fourth transfer gate unit 152 is connected between the secondphotoelectric conversion unit 153 and the charge storage unit 56. Thedrive signal TRG is applied to a gate electrode of the fourth transfergate unit 152. When the drive signal TRG becomes active, the fourthtransfer gate unit 152 is placed in a conducting state, so that chargestored in the second photoelectric conversion unit 153 is transferred tothe charge storage unit 56 or a region where potentials of the chargestorage unit 56 and the FD unit 58 are joined, via the fourth transfergate unit 152.

Also, in a lower portion of a gate electrode of the fourth transfer gateunit 152, where a potential is somewhat deep, an overflow path whichtransfers charge which is present in an amount exceeding a saturationcharge amount of the second photoelectric conversion unit 153 andoverflows from the second photoelectric conversion unit 153, to thecharge storage unit 56, is formed. It is noted that hereinafter, anoverflow path formed in a lower portion of a gate electrode of thefourth transfer gate unit 152 will be simply referred to as an overflowpath of the fourth transfer gate unit 152.

The charge storage unit 56 includes a capacitor, for example, and isconnected between the third transfer gate unit 151 and the fourthtransfer gate unit 152. A counter electrode of the charge storage unit56 is connected between power supplies VDD which supply power-supplyvoltages VDD. It is noted that the counter electrode of the chargestorage unit 56 is similar to that of the charge storage unit 56 in FIG.4. The charge storage unit 56 stores charge which is to be transferredfrom the second photoelectric conversion unit 153.

The reset gate unit 57 is connected between the power supply VDD and theFD unit 58. The drive signal RST is applied to a gate electrode of thereset gate unit 57. When the drive signal RST becomes active, the resetgate unit 57 is placed in a conducting state, so that a potential of theFD unit 58 is reset to a level of the power supply voltage VDD. The FDunit 58 performs charge-to-voltage conversion, to convert charge to avoltage signal and output a resultant signal.

The second photoelectric conversion unit 153, like the firstphotoelectric conversion unit 51, includes a photodiode of a PNjunction, for example. The second photoelectric conversion unit 153generates and stores charge in accordance with an amount of receivedlight.

When the first photoelectric conversion unit 51 and the secondphotoelectric conversion unit 153 are compared, the first photoelectricconversion unit 51 has a larger light-receiving surface and a highersensitivity, and the second photoelectric conversion unit 153 has asmaller light-receiving surface and a lower sensitivity.

The amplification transistor 59 has a gate electrode connected to the FDunit 58 and has a drain electrode connected to the power supply VDD, andserves as an input unit of a reading circuit which reads out charge heldin the FD unit 58, in other words, a so-called source follower circuit.That is, a source electrode of the amplification transistor 59 isconnected to a vertical signal line 17 with the selection transistor 60being interposed, so that the amplification transistor 59, together witha constant-current supply 154 which is connected to one end of thevertical signal line 17, forms a source follower circuit.

The selection transistor 60 is connected between a source electrode ofthe amplification transistor 59 and the vertical signal line 17. Thedrive signal SEL is applied to a gate electrode of the selectiontransistor 60. When the drive signal SEL becomes active, the selectiontransistor 60 is placed in a conducting state, so that the unit pixel150 is placed in a selected state. As a result of this, a pixel signaloutput from the amplification transistor 59 is output to the verticalsignal line 17 via the selection transistor 60.

FIG. 21 is a plan view showing a configuration example of the unit pixelin FIG. 20. FIG. 21 shows an example in which the capacitor describedabove with reference to FIG. 5 is employed as a capacitance elementwhich is the charge storage unit 56. In a plan view of FIG. 21, a wire81-1 connecting the charge storage unit 56 and the third transfer gateunit 151, a wire 81-2 connecting the third transfer gate unit 151 andthe FD unit 58, and a wire 81-3 connecting the FD unit 58 and a gateelectrode of the amplification transistor 59 are shown also.

That is, the charge storage unit 56 shown in FIG. 21 is not of a trenchtype, so that the PD 51 and the PD 153 are arranged in a limited mannerin a surface of a substrate.

A of FIG. 22 and B of FIG. 22 are a plan view and a cross-sectionalview, respectively, which show an example of the unit pixel in FIG. 20.It is noted that a plan view of A of FIG. 22 is a plan view seen fromthe side of a back surface which is not a front surface where an on-chiplens (OCL) 191 is placed, and in a cross-sectional view of B of FIG. 22,a side where the OCL 191 is placed is shown in a lower side of thefigure. A of FIG. 22 shows an example in which the trench capacitordescribed above with reference to C of FIG. 5 is employed as acapacitance element which is the charge storage unit 56.

Specifically, the charge storage unit 56 which is a trench capacitor ofa type that is configured by boring of a hole as shown in B of FIG. 22is placed so as to surround three sides of the second photoelectricconversion unit 153 having a smaller light-receiving surface and a lowersensitivity, as shown in A of FIG. 22. In other words, the chargestorage unit 56 is placed among the first photoelectric conversion unit51 in the unit pixel 150, the first photoelectric conversion unit 51 inanother unit pixel, and the second photoelectric conversion unit 153.Also, in the example of B of FIG. 22, an RDTI 91 including an insulatinglayer 92 is further used.

As a result of using the charge storage unit 56 which is a trenchcapacitor, crosstalk between the first photoelectric conversion unit 51and the second photoelectric conversion unit 153 is prevented, and alarge region in a surface of a substrate is not occupied by the chargestorage unit 56. Accordingly, the unit pixel 150 in A of FIG. 22 canmake a surface area smaller than that of the unit pixel 150 in FIG. 21,and can suppress crosstalk.

As described above, by applying the trench capacitor according to thepresent technology to a solid-state imaging device including PDs whichare a plurality of photoelectric conversion units having differentsensitivities, in a pixel, it is possible to satisfactorily suppressmoving-subject artifacts and increase a dynamic range without causingLED flicker.

4. Third Embodiment (Metal-Gate-Electrode Capacitor)

Next, a third embodiment of the present technology will be described.

{Plan View of Unit Pixel 150}

FIG. 23 is a plan view of another example of the unit pixel 150 in FIG.20. FIG. 23 shows an example in which a capacitor using a metal gateelectrode 211 is employed as an upper electrode of a capacitance elementwhich is a charge storage unit 56.

That is, the unit pixel 150 shown in FIG. 23 is different from the unitpixel 150 shown in FIG. 21 only in that a capacitor using the metal gateelectrode 211 is employed as an upper electrode of a capacitance elementwhich is the charge storage unit 56. The unit pixel 150 shown in FIG. 23is similar to the unit pixel 150 shown in FIG. 21 in the other respects.

{Cross-Sectional View of Unit Pixel 150}

FIG. 24 is across-sectional view showing a configuration example of theunit pixel 150 of FIG. 23. In this cross-sectional view, a lower side inthe figure is a front-surface side upon which light is incident.

In the example of FIG. 24, the charge storage unit 56 includes the metalgate electrode 211 serving as an upper electrode, a High-k insulatingfilm 212, and a diffusion layer 73. For the metal gate electrode 211, ametal having a high melting point such as Ti, TiN, or W, a compoundthereof, or a laminate thereof, is used as a metal material, forexample.

The High-k insulating film 212 is formed so as to cover a bottom surfaceand a side surface of the metal gate electrode 211 in the figure. Forthe High-k insulating film 212, HF02, AL203, Ta205, or the like is used,for example. The charge storage unit 56 in this case, which will bedescribed later with reference to FIG. 26, is placed simultaneously witha Poly-gate transistor in the unit pixel 150, such as a first transfergate unit 52 (a poly electrode 214, a lower electrode (diffusion layer)213, an insulating film 72 in the example of FIG. 24), for example.

It is noted that the High-k insulating film 212 is formed with a recessin a side surface of the metal gate electrode 211 such that only asurface being connected to the diffusion layer 73 becomes smaller, asshown in FIG. 25 which will be next referred to.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the unit pixel150 of FIG. 23. In this cross-sectional view, a lower side in the figureis a front-surface side upon which light is incident.

In the example of FIG. 25, the charge storage unit 56 includes the metalgate electrode 211 serving as an upper electrode, the High-k insulatingfilm 221, and the diffusion layer 73.

The High-k insulating film 221 is formed so as to cover a bottom surfaceand a side surface of the metal gate electrode 211 in the figure. It isnoted that at that time, the High-k insulating film 221 is formed with arecess in a side surface of the metal gate electrode 211 such that onlya surface being connected to the diffusion layer 73 becomes smaller asshown in FIG. 25. Also, the charge storage unit 56 in FIG. 25 is formedin such a manner that the High-k insulating film 221 is formed earlierthan that in a forming process for the charge storage unit 56 in theexample of FIG. 24.

It is noted that the charge storage unit 56 in FIG. 24 or FIG. 25 mayinclude a trench capacitor formed by boring of a hole in a substrate 70.

Next, with reference to a flow chart of FIG. 26, a forming process for ametal-gate-electrode capacitor (the charge storage unit 56 in FIG. 24)will be described. In description of FIG. 26, FIGS. 27 to 29 will bereferred to as appropriate. It is noted that the forming process in FIG.26 is a process performed by a manufacturing apparatus for a solid-stateimaging device (which will hereinafter be simply referred to as amanufacturing apparatus), for example.

In step S211, the manufacturing apparatus forms the diffusion layer 73as a lower electrode in the substrate 70 (A of FIG. 27). In step S212,the manufacturing apparatus forms a pixel/peripheral transistor. Morespecifically, the manufacturing apparatus forms the insulating film 72after forming the lower electrode 213 of the pixel/peripheraltransistor, and then forms a poly electrode 214 ((B of FIG. 27). In stepS213, the manufacturing apparatus forms an interlayer film 215 on thepoly electrode 214 having been formed (C of FIG. 27).

In step S214, the manufacturing apparatus removes the poly electrode 214of the charge storage unit 56 (A of FIG. 28). In step S215, themanufacturing apparatus forms the High-k insulating film 212 afterremoving the poly electrode 214 (B of FIG. 28).

In step S216, the manufacturing apparatus removes an unnecessary portionof the High-k insulating film 212 (C of FIG. 28). In step S217, themanufacturing apparatus forms the metal gate electrode 211 (A of FIG.29). In step S218, the manufacturing apparatus forms the interlayer film215 (B of FIG. 29), so that the forming process for the charge storageunit 56 is finished.

Next, with reference to a flow chart in FIG. 30, a forming process for ametal-gate-electrode capacitor (the charge storage unit 56 in FIG. 25)will be described. In description of FIG. 30, FIGS. 31 to 33 will bereferred to as appropriate. It is noted that the forming process in FIG.30 is a process performed by a manufacturing apparatus for a solid-stateimaging device (which will hereinafter be simply referred to as amanufacturing apparatus), for example.

In step S251, the manufacturing apparatus forms the diffusion layer 73as a lower electrode in the substrate 70, and forms the insulating film72 (A of FIG. 31). In step S252, the manufacturing apparatus forms anopening in an oxide film 250 (B of FIG. 31). In step S253, themanufacturing apparatus forms the High-k insulating film 221 (C of FIG.31).

In step S254, the manufacturing apparatus forms an etching mask 251 (Aof FIG. 32). In step S255, the manufacturing apparatus removes theHigh-k insulating film 221 (B of FIG. 32). In step S256, themanufacturing apparatus forms a pixel/peripheral transistor. Morespecifically, the manufacturing apparatus forms the insulating film 72after forming the lower electrode 213 of the pixel/peripheraltransistor, and thereafter forms the poly electrode 214 (C of FIG. 32).

In step S257, the manufacturing apparatus forms the interlayer film 215(A of FIG. 33). In step S258, the manufacturing apparatus forms anopening in an unnecessary portion 252 of the interlayer film 215 (B ofFIG. 33). In step S259, the manufacturing apparatus forms the metal gateelectrode 211 (C of FIG. 33). In step S260, the manufacturing apparatusforms the interlayer film 215 (D of FIG. 33), so that the formingprocess for the charge storage unit 56 is finished.

In the example of FIG. 21 in which a plurality of PDs having differentsensitivities are provided in a unit pixel, a capacitor which performscharge-to-voltage conversion on photo-charge generated in a PD having alower sensitivity is connected, and thus, a pixel size is reduced inorder to reduce an optical size and increase the number of pixels, sothat a dynamic range is reduced due to reduction of a capacity of acapacitance element. Also, crosstalk increases due to reduction in aspace between PDs, resulting in degradation of linearity.

However, in the present technology, because of use of ametal-gate-electrode capacitor as a charge storage unit, it is possibleto suppress reduction of a capacity of a capacitor which has a highcapacity because of inclusion of a High-k insulating film, and reductionof a capacity of an upper (poly) electrode which is caused due todepletion of the upper electrode at a time when the upper electrode isat a positive potential. As a result of this, reduction of a dynamicrange can be prevented.

Also, compatibility with a low-noise pixel transistor can be achieved,so that increase of crosstalk can be prevented and degradation oflinearity can be suppressed.

5. Fourth Embodiment (Trench-Shaped Element Isolation of a Circuit withTwo PDs)

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present technology will be described.

{Plan View of Unit Pixel 300 in Pixel Array Unit 11}

FIG. 34 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a unit pixel300 in FIG. 20 which is placed in a pixel array unit 11 in FIGS. 1 to 3.FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of theunit pixel in FIG. 34. A of FIG. 35 shows an example of a section takenalong a line A-A′ in FIG. 34, and B of FIG. 35 shows an example of asection taken along a line B-B′ in FIG. 34.

The unit pixel 300 is configured similarly to the unit pixel 150 in FIG.20. More specifically, the unit pixel 300 includes a first photoelectricconversion unit 51 and a second photoelectric conversion unit 153. Whenthe first photoelectric conversion unit 51 and the second photoelectricconversion unit 153 are compared, the first photoelectric conversionunit 51 has a larger light-receiving surface and a higher sensitivity,and the second photoelectric conversion unit 153 has a smallerlight-receiving surface and a lower sensitivity.

In the example of FIG. 34, a trench-shaped element isolation 301 havinga depth larger than that of the first photoelectric conversion unit 51and the second photoelectric conversion unit 153 is formed so as tosurround only the second photoelectric conversion unit 153 having asmaller light-receiving surface, in a substrate 70.

An antireflection film 302 and a planarizing film 303 are formed on thesubstrate 70 in which the first photoelectric conversion unit 51, thesecond photoelectric conversion unit 153, and the element isolation 301are embedded, and a color filter 304 and an on-chip lens 305 areprovided for each photoelectric conversion unit, on the films 302 and303.

FIG. 36 is a plan view of four unit pixels 300 in the pixel array unit11 in FIG. 34. In the example of FIG. 36, there is a plan view seen froma front-surface side which is a side opposite to a surface of thesilicon substrate 70 upon which light is incident. In the example ofFIG. 36, the four unit pixels 300 are laid out similarly to the unitpixels described above with reference to FIG. 20.

FIG. 37 shows arrangement of the element isolations 301 and the on-chiplenses 305 in a plan view of FIG. 36 which is seen from a front-surfaceside. FIG. 38 shows a positional relationship among the firstphotoelectric conversion units 51, the second photoelectric conversionunits 153, the element isolations 301, and the on-chip lenses 305 in aplan view seen from a back-surface side, in other words, a side where asurface of the substrate 70 upon which light is incident), is provided.

The trench-shaped element isolation is provided so as to surround only apixel having a smaller (narrower) area as described above, so that asignal of a large-area pixel can be prevented from being mixed.

More specifically, a small-area pixel has a sensitivity lower than thatof a large-area pixel because a signal amount that a small-area pixelcan handle is smaller than a signal amount that a large-area pixel canhandle. In a case where a signal of a small-area pixel is mixed into alarge-area pixel, a large-area pixel which has a high sensitivityhandles the mixed signal as an excess signal. This situation can beprevented by provision of an element isolation surrounding a small-areapixel. Also, regarding a large-area pixel, there is a portion where anelement isolation is not provided, so that occurrence of a dark currentcan be suppressed.

It is noted that the present technology described in the fourthembodiment can be also applied to the first embodiment to the thirdembodiment.

Also, though the description has been made so far regarding a case of acircuit in which a charge storage unit is provided in a unit pixel, thetrench-shaped element isolation according to the present technology canbe also applied to a circuit in which a charge storage unit is notprovided in a unit pixel. Below, an example of a circuit in which acharge storage unit is not provided in a unit pixel will be described.

6. Fifth Embodiment (Modifications of Trench-Shaped Element Isolation)

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present technology will be described.

{Plan View and Cross-Sectional View of Pixel Array Unit 11}

FIG. 39 is a plan view showing a case where a red pixel 351 denoted by acharacter R and the other pixel 352 are arranged in a pixel array unit11 and an element isolation 301 is formed only in the red pixel 351.FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of aunit pixel in FIG. 39. A of FIG. 40 shows an example of a section takenalong a line A-A′ in FIG. 39, and B of FIG. 40 shows an example of asection taken along a line B-B′ in FIG. 39.

An antireflection film 302 and a planarizing film 303 are formed on asubstrate 70 in which a first photoelectric conversion unit 51 and theelement isolation 301 are embedded. On the films 302 and 303, a colorfilter 304 for each color and an on-chip lens 305 are provided for eachphotoelectric conversion unit. It is noted that the color filter 304 ofthe red pixel 351 is solidly shaded in black.

The trench-shaped element isolation is provided so as to surround only ared pixel as described above, so that mixture of a signal into a pixelother than a red pixel can be suppressed.

More specifically, red light may possibly be absorbed by a deep portionof silicon, so that mixture of color of a deep portion inside siliconinto an adjacent pixel may occur. Thus, only a red pixel is surrounded,to thereby suppress color mixture. Occurrence of dark current in a pixelother than a red pixel can be prevented because only a red pixel issurrounded.

{Plan View and Cross-Sectional View of Pixel Array Unit 11}

FIG. 41 is a plan view showing a case where a highly-sensitive pixel 371which has a high sensitivity and is hatched and the other pixel 372 arearranged in a pixel array unit 11 and the element isolation 301 isformed in only the highly-sensitive pixel 371. FIG. 42 is across-sectional view showing an example of the unit pixel in FIG. 41. Aof FIG. 42 shows an example of a section taken along a line A-A′ in FIG.41, and B of FIG. 42 shows an example of a section taken along a lineB-B′ in FIG. 41.

The antireflection film 302 and the planarizing film 303 are formed onthe substrate 70 in which the first photoelectric conversion unit 51 andthe element isolation 301 are embedded. On the films 302 and 303, thecolor filter 304 for each color and the on-chip lens 305 are providedfor each photoelectric conversion unit. It is noted that in the examplein FIG. 41 and FIG. 42, a special filter is used as the color filter 304of the highly-sensitive pixel 371 and a sensitivity is made differentfrom that of a pixel not using a special filter by a change oftransmittance of light, so that a highly-sensitive pixel is provided.

The trench-shaped element isolation is provided so as to surround only ahighly-sensitive pixel or a low-sensitive pixel as described above, sothat mixture of a signal into a pixel other than a red pixel can besuppressed.

More specifically, in the example of FIG. 41, a special filter is formedbelow an on-chip lens in a part of pixels. The special filter may beeither a filter which increases transmittance or a filter whichdecreases transmittance. By this filter, pixels having differentsensitivities are present. In a case where color of a pixel having a lowsensitivity is mixed into a pixel having a high sensitivity, the pixelhaving a high sensitivity may possibly handle the mixed color as anexcess signal. By providing an element isolation which surrounds only apixel having a high sensitivity, it is possible to suppress occurrenceof dark current in a pixel having a low sensitivity while suppressingcolor mixture. Also, an element isolation may surround only a pixelhaving a low sensitivity.

{Plan View and Cross-Sectional View of Pixel Array Unit 11}

FIG. 43 is a plan view showing a case where a highly-sensitive pixel 401which has a high sensitivity and is hatched and the other pixel 402 arearranged in the pixel array unit 11 and the element isolation 301 isformed in only the highly-sensitive pixel 401. FIG. 44 is across-sectional view showing an example of the unit pixel in FIG. 43. Aof FIG. 44 shows an example of a section taken along a line A-A′ in FIG.43, and B of FIG. 44 shows an example of a section taken along a lineB-B′ in FIG. 43.

In the other pixel 402, a P-type semiconductor layer 413 is formed as aphotoelectric conversion unit and an N-type semiconductor layer 412 isformed on the layer 413. On the other hand, in the highly-sensitivepixel 401, an N-type semiconductor layer 411 deeper than the other pixelis formed as a photoelectric conversion unit. In the substrate 70, theelement isolation 301 is embedded so as to surround the N-typesemiconductor layer 411.

The antireflection film 302 and the planarizing film 303 are formed onthe substrate 70 in which the element isolation 301 is embedded.

On the films 302 and 303, the color filter 304 for each color and theon-chip lens 305 are provided for each photoelectric conversion unit.

The trench-shaped element isolation is provided so as to surround only ahighly-sensitive pixel or a low-sensitive pixel as described above, sothat mixture of a signal into a pixel other than a red pixel can besuppressed.

More specifically, in the example of FIG. 43, a P-type semiconductorlayer is formed in a part of pixels, so that a difference in depth amongN-type semiconductor layers serving as light-receiving units isproduced. Then, a pixel including a deeper N-type semiconductor layerhas a higher sensitivity. In a case where color of a pixel having a lowsensitivity is mixed into a pixel having a high sensitivity, the pixelhaving a high sensitivity may possibly handle the mixed color as anexcess signal. By providing an element isolation which surrounds a pixelhaving a low sensitivity, it is possible to suppress the foregoingsituation. Also, by providing an element isolation which surrounds onlya pixel having a high sensitivity, it is possible to suppress occurrenceof dark current in a pixel having a low sensitivity while suppressingcolor mixture. Also, an element isolation may surround only a pixelhaving a low sensitivity.

{Cross-Sectional View of Pixel Array Unit 11}

FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the pixel arrayunit 11. An insulating film may be used for the trench-shaped elementisolation 301 which surrounds the first photoelectric conversion unit 51of a specific pixel 451. Also, an insulating film including a negativefixed-charge film may be used for the element isolation 301. As aninsulating film used for the element isolation 301, Hf02, Al203, Ta205,or the like is employed, for example. Further, a P-type silicon layermay be provided around an element isolation. By the above-describeddesigns, occurrence of dark current can be suppressed.

Also, a light-shielding film may be used for the trench-shaped elementisolation 301. This can enhance light-shielding performance, andsuppress color mixture.

As described above, according to the present technology, a trench-shapedelement isolation structure is formed so as to surround only a specificpixel in a backside-illuminated image sensor including a plurality ofpixels which are two-dimensionally arranged.

It is noted that though the above description has dealt with an exampleof a backside solid-state imaging device, the present technology can beapplied to a frontside solid-state imaging device also.

It is noted that a solid-state imaging device may be of a type which isformed as one chip, or alternatively be in a form of a module with animaging function which includes an imaging unit, a signal processor, andan optical system which are packaged together.

7. Examples of use of Image Sensor

FIG. 46 is a view showing examples of use of the above-describedsolid-state imaging device.

The above-described solid-state imaging device (image sensor) can beused in various cases where sensing of light such as visible light,infrared light, ultraviolet light, or an X ray is performed, as follows,for example.

An apparatus which takes a photograph of an image which is to be offeredfor appreciation, including a digital camera, a portable apparatushaving a camera function, and the like.

An apparatus which is put to a use of traffic, including: an on-vehiclesensor which takes a photograph of the front, the rear, surroundings, aninside, and the like of a vehicle for safe driving such as automaticstop, for recognition of a driver's state, or for the other purposes; amonitoring camera which monitors a traveling vehicle or a road; a rangesensor which measures a distance such as a distance between vehicles;and the like.

An apparatus which is provided in a home electric appliance such as atelevision, a refrigerator, or an air conditioner, in order to take aphotograph of a gesture of a user, and perform a machine operation inaccordance with the gesture.

An apparatus which is put to a use of medical treatment or health care,including an endoscope, an apparatus which performs angiography withreception of infrared light, and the like.

An apparatus which is put to a use of security, including a monitoringcamera for a security purpose, a camera used for person identification,and the like.

An apparatus which is put to a use of beauty treatment, including askin-state measuring apparatus which takes a photograph of a skin, amicroscope which takes a photograph of a scalp, and the like.

An apparatus which is put to a use of sports, including an actioncamera, a wearable camera, and the like which are used in doing sportsor the like.

An apparatus which is put to an agricultural use, including a camera formonitoring states of a field and a crop, and the like.

8. Configuration Example of Electronic Apparatus

Further, the present technology is not limited to application to asolid-state imaging device, and can be applied to an imaging apparatus.In this regard, an imaging apparatus means a camera system such as adigital still camera or digital video camera, and an electronicapparatus having an imaging function such as a portable telephone. It isnoted that a module form mounted onto an electronic apparatus, that is,a camera module, is regarded as an imaging apparatus in some cases.

{Imaging Apparatus}

FIG. 47 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an imagingapparatus (camera apparatus) 501 which is one example of an electronicapparatus to which the present technology is applied.

As shown in FIG. 47, the imaging apparatus 501 includes an opticalsystem including a lens group 511 or the like, an imaging element 512, aDSP circuit 513 serving as a camera signal processing unit, a framememory 514, a display device 515, a recording device 516, an operationsystem 507, a power supply system 518, and the like. Then, it isconfigured such that the DSP circuit 513, the frame memory 514, thedisplay device 515, the recording device 516, the operation system 507,and the power supply system 518 are connected to each other via a busline 519.

The lens group 511 captures incident light (image light) provided from asubject, and forms an image on an imaging surface of the imaging element512. The imaging element 512 converts an amount of incident light fromwhich an image is formed on an imaging surface by the lens group 511, toan electric signal on a pixel-by-pixel basis, and outputs a pixelsignal.

The display device 515 includes a panel display device such as a liquidcrystal display device or an organic electro luminescence (EL) displaydevice, and displays a moving image or a still image captured by theimaging element 512. The recording device 516 records a moving image ora still image captured by the imaging element 512 on a recording mediumsuch as a memory card, a video tape, or a digital versatile disk (DVD).

The operation system 507 issues operation commands for various functionsof the imaging apparatus 501, in accordance with a user's operation. Thepower supply system 518 provides various power supplies which serve asoperation power supplies of the DSP circuit 513, the frame memory 514,the display device 515, the recording device 516, and the operationsystem 507, to the foregoing elements being supplied, as appropriate.

The above-described imaging apparatus 501 is applied to a video cameraand a digital still camera, and further, a smartphone and a cameramodule for a mobile apparatus such as a portable telephone. Then, thesolid-state imaging device according to each of the above-describedembodiments can be used as the imaging element 512 in the imagingapparatus 501. As a result of this, image quality of the imagingapparatus 501 can be improved.

It is noted that embodiments of the present technology are not limitedto the above-described embodiments, and various modifications arepossible within a scope not departing from essence of the presenttechnology.

It is noted that a series of steps elaborating a process described inthe present specification includes not only a process which ischronologically performed in the described order, but also a processwhich is not necessarily chronologically performed, but performedparallely or individually.

Also, embodiments in the present disclosure are not limited to theabove-described embodiments, and various modifications are possiblewithin a scope not departing from essence of the present disclosure.

Also, a configuration which has been described above as one device (orprocessing unit) may be divided and configured as a plurality of devices(or processing units). Conversely, a configuration which has beendescribed above as a plurality of devices (or processing units) may becollected and configured as one device (or processing unit). Also, aconfiguration other than those described above may be added to eachdevice (or each processing unit), of course. Further, a part of aconfiguration of a certain device (or processing unit) may be includedin a configuration of another device (or another processing unit) so faras a configuration and operations of a system as a whole aresubstantially unchanged. That is, the present technology is not limitedto the above-described embodiments, and modifications are possiblewithin a scope not departing from essence of the present technology.

While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have beendescribed in detail with reference to the accompanying drawingshereinabove, the disclosure is not limited to the described examples. Itis obvious that a person having ordinary skill in the technical fieldthat the present disclosure belongs to, could think of variousmodifications and revisions within a scope of a technical idea describedin claims, and it is understood that also those modifications andrevisions are included in a technical scope of the present disclosure,of course.

It is noted that the present technology can take the followingconfigurations.

(1) A solid-state imaging device including:

a pixel array unit in which a plurality of unit pixels are arranged; and

a drive unit configured to control an operation of the unit pixels, inwhich

each of the unit pixels includes:

a photoelectric conversion unit; and

a trench-type charge storage unit configured to store charge generatedby the photoelectric conversion unit.

(2) The solid-state imaging device according to (1), in which

the charge storage unit is placed between the photoelectric conversionunit and another photoelectric conversion unit included in an adjacentone of the unit pixels.

(3) The solid-state imaging device according to (1), in which

each of the unit pixels includes a plurality of the photoelectricconversion units, and

the charge storage unit is placed between the plurality of photoelectricconversion units, or between the photoelectric conversion unit andanother photoelectric conversion unit included in an adjacent one of theunit pixels.

(4) The solid-state imaging device according to any of (1) to (3), inwhich

each of the unit pixels further includes a reverse-side DTI (RDTI)placed adjacently to the charge storage unit.

(5) The solid-state imaging device according to (4), in which

the RDTI is formed so as to be joined to the charge storage unit.

(6) The solid-state imaging device according to any of (1) to (5), inwhich

the charge storage unit is formed so as to penetrate a substrate.

(7) The solid-state imaging device according to any of (1) to (6), inwhich

a potential of one end of the charge storage unit is a ground potential,a power-supply potential, or a third potential.

(8) The solid-state imaging device according to (7), in which

the potential of the one end of the charge storage unit is set atdifferent potentials at a storing time and a reading time of thephotoelectric conversion unit.

(9) The solid-state imaging device according to any of (1) to (8), inwhich

the solid-state imaging device is of a backside-illuminated type.

(10) An electronic apparatus including:

a solid-state imaging device including:

-   -   a pixel array unit in which a plurality of unit pixels are        arranged; and    -   a drive unit configured to control an operation of the unit        pixels,    -   each of the unit pixels including:        -   a photoelectric conversion unit; and        -   a trench-type charge storage unit configured to store charge            generated by the photoelectric conversion unit;

a signal processing circuit configured to process an output signaloutput from the solid-state imaging device; and

an optical system configured to provide incident light to thesolid-state imaging device.

(11) A solid-state imaging device including:

a pixel array unit in which a plurality of unit pixels are arranged; and

a drive unit configured to control an operation of the unit pixels, inwhich

each of the unit pixels includes:

-   -   a first photoelectric conversion unit;    -   a second photoelectric conversion unit having a sensitivity        lower than that of the first photoelectric conversion unit;    -   a charge storage unit configured to store charge generated by        the second photoelectric conversion unit, the charge storage        unit including a gate electrode of metal and a High-k insulating        film; and    -   a transistor configured to transfer charge generated by the        first or second photoelectric conversion unit.

(12) The solid-state imaging device according to (11), in which

the charge storage unit is placed simultaneously with the transistor.

(13) The solid-state imaging device according to (11) or (12), in which

the metal is a metal having a high melting point of Ti, TiN, or W, or acompound of the metal.

(14) The solid-state imaging device according to any of (11) to (13), inwhich

the High-k insulating film is Hf02, Al203, or Ta205.

(15) The solid-state imaging device according to any of (11) to (14), inwhich

the solid-state imaging device is of a backside-illuminated type.

(16) An electronic apparatus including:

a solid-state imaging device including:

-   -   a pixel array unit in which a plurality of unit pixels are        arranged; and    -   a drive unit configured to control an operation of the unit        pixels,    -   each of the unit pixels including:        -   a first photoelectric conversion unit;        -   a second photoelectric conversion unit having a sensitivity            lower than that of the first photoelectric conversion unit;        -   a charge storage unit configured to store charge generated            by the second photoelectric conversion unit, the charge            storage unit including a gate electrode of metal and a            High-k insulating film; and        -   a transistor configured to transfer charge generated by the            first or second photoelectric conversion unit,

the electronic apparatus further including:

a signal processing circuit configured to process an output signaloutput from the solid-state imaging device; and

an optical system configured to provide incident light to thesolid-state imaging device.

(17) A solid-state imaging device including:

a pixel array unit in which a plurality of unit pixels are arranged;

a drive unit configured to control an operation of the unit pixels; and

a trench-shaped element isolation.

(18) The solid-state imaging device according to (17), in which

the element isolation is formed so as to surround a specific one of theunit pixels.

(19) The solid-state imaging device according to (17) or (18), in which

each of the unit pixels includes:

a first photoelectric conversion unit; and

a second photoelectric conversion unit having a sensitivity lower thanthat of the first photoelectric conversion unit, and

the element isolation is formed so as to surround the secondphotoelectric conversion unit.

(20) The solid-state imaging device according to any of (17) to (19), inwhich

the element isolation includes Hf02, Al203, or Ta205.

(21) An electronic apparatus including:

a solid-state imaging device including:

-   -   a pixel array unit in which a plurality of unit pixels are        arranged;    -   a drive unit configured to control an operation of the unit        pixels; and    -   a trench-shaped element isolation;

a signal processing circuit configured to process an output signaloutput from the solid-state imaging device; and

an optical system configured to provide incident light to thesolid-state imaging device.

(22) A solid-state imaging device including:

a pixel array unit in which a plurality of unit pixels are arranged; and

a drive unit configured to control an operation of the unit pixels, inwhich

each of the unit pixels includes:

-   -   a first photoelectric conversion unit;    -   a second photoelectric conversion unit having a sensitivity        lower than that of the first photoelectric conversion unit;    -   a trench-shaped element isolation formed so as to surround the        second photoelectric conversion unit;    -   a charge storage unit configured to store charge generated by        the second photoelectric conversion unit;    -   a charge-to-voltage conversion unit;    -   a first transfer gate unit configured to transfer charge from        the first photoelectric conversion unit to the charge-to-voltage        conversion unit;    -   a second transfer gate unit configured to join potentials of the        charge-to-voltage conversion unit and the charge storage unit;    -   a third transfer gate unit configured to transfer charge from        the second photoelectric conversion unit to the charge storage        unit; and    -   an overflow path formed in a lower portion of a gate electrode        of the third transfer gate unit, the overflow path being        configured to transfer charge overflowing from the second        photoelectric conversion unit, to the charge storage unit.

(23) The solid-state imaging device recited in the above (22), in whichthe element isolation is deeper than the first photoelectric conversionunit and the second photoelectric conversion unit.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   10 CMOS image sensor-   11 Pixel array unit-   12 Vertical drive unit-   14 Horizontal drive unit-   15 System control unit-   50 Unit pixel-   51 First photoelectric conversion unit-   52 First transfer gate unit-   54 Second transfer gate unit-   56, 56-1, 56-2 Charge storage unit-   57 Reset gate unit-   58 FD unit-   59 Amplification transistor-   60 Selection transistor-   70 Substrate-   71, 71 a to 71 c Upper electrode-   72, 72 a to 72 c Insulating film-   73, 73 a to 73 c Diffusion layer-   81-1 to 81-4 Wire-   90 DTI-   91 RDTI-   92 Insulating layer-   100 Pixel isolating region-   102 Trench-   150 Unit pixel-   151 Third transfer gate-   152 Fourth transfer gate-   153 Second photoelectric conversion unit-   154 Constant-current supply-   211 Metal gate electrode-   212 High-k insulating film-   213 Lower electrode-   214 Poly electrode-   215 Interlayer film-   221 High-k insulating film-   300 Unit pixel-   301 Element isolation-   302 Antireflection film-   303 Planarizing film-   304 Color filter-   305 On-chip lens-   351 Red pixel-   352 The other pixel-   371 Highly-sensitive pixel-   372 The other pixel-   401 Highly-sensitive pixel-   402 The other pixel-   411 N-type semiconductor layer-   412 N-type semiconductor layer-   413 P-type semiconductor layer

1. A solid-state imaging device comprising: a pixel array unit in whicha plurality of unit pixels are arranged; and a drive unit configured tocontrol an operation of the unit pixels, wherein each of the unit pixelsincludes: a photoelectric conversion unit; and a trench-type chargestorage unit configured to store charge generated by the photoelectricconversion unit.
 2. The solid-state imaging device according to claim 1,wherein the charge storage unit is placed between the photoelectricconversion unit and another photoelectric conversion unit included in anadjacent one of the unit pixels.
 3. The solid-state imaging deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein each of the unit pixels includes aplurality of the photoelectric conversion units, and the charge storageunit is placed between the plurality of photoelectric conversion units,or between the photoelectric conversion unit and another photoelectricconversion unit included in an adjacent one of the unit pixels.
 4. Thesolid-state imaging device according to claim 1, wherein each of theunit pixels further includes a reverse-side DTI (RDTI) placed adjacentlyto the charge storage unit.
 5. The solid-state imaging device accordingto claim 4, wherein the RDTI is formed so as to be joined to the chargestorage unit.
 6. The solid-state imaging device according to claim 1,wherein the charge storage unit is formed so as to penetrate asubstrate.
 7. The solid-state imaging device according to claim 1,wherein a potential of one end of the charge storage unit is a groundpotential, a power-supply potential, or a third potential.
 8. Thesolid-state imaging device according to claim 7, wherein the potentialof the one end of the charge storage unit is set at different potentialsat a storing time and a reading time of the photoelectric conversionunit.
 9. The solid-state imaging device according to claim 1, whereinthe solid-state imaging device is of a backside-illuminated type.
 10. Anelectronic apparatus comprising: a solid-state imaging device including:a pixel array unit in which a plurality of unit pixels are arranged; anda drive unit configured to control an operation of the unit pixels, eachof the unit pixels including: a photoelectric conversion unit; and atrench-type charge storage unit configured to store charge generated bythe photoelectric conversion unit; a signal processing circuitconfigured to process an output signal output from the solid-stateimaging device; and an optical system configured to provide incidentlight to the solid-state imaging device.
 11. A solid-state imagingdevice comprising: a pixel array unit in which a plurality of unitpixels are arranged; and a drive unit configured to control an operationof the unit pixels, wherein each of the unit pixels includes: a firstphotoelectric conversion unit; a second photoelectric conversion unithaving a sensitivity lower than that of the first photoelectricconversion unit; a charge storage unit configured to store chargegenerated by the second photoelectric conversion unit, the chargestorage unit including a gate electrode of metal and a High-k insulatingfilm; and a transistor configured to transfer charge generated by thefirst or second photoelectric conversion unit.
 12. The solid-stateimaging device according to claim 11, wherein the charge storage unit isplaced simultaneously with the transistor.
 13. The solid-state imagingdevice according to claim 11, wherein the metal is a metal having a highmelting point of Ti, TiN, or W, or a compound of the metal.
 14. Thesolid-state imaging device according to claim 11, wherein the High-kinsulating film is Hf02, Al203, or Ta205.
 15. The solid-state imagingdevice according to claim 11, wherein the solid-state imaging device isof a backside-illuminated type.
 16. An electronic apparatus comprising:a solid-state imaging device including: a pixel array unit in which aplurality of unit pixels are arranged; and a drive unit configured tocontrol an operation of the unit pixels, each of the unit pixelsincluding: a first photoelectric conversion unit; a second photoelectricconversion unit having a sensitivity lower than that of the firstphotoelectric conversion unit; a charge storage unit configured to storecharge generated by the second photoelectric conversion unit, the chargestorage unit including a gate electrode of metal and a High-k insulatingfilm; and a transistor configured to transfer charge generated by thefirst or second photoelectric conversion unit, the electronic apparatusfurther comprising: a signal processing circuit configured to process anoutput signal output from the solid-state imaging device; and an opticalsystem configured to provide incident light to the solid-state imagingdevice.
 17. A solid-state imaging device comprising: a pixel array unitin which a plurality of unit pixels are arranged; a drive unitconfigured to control an operation of the unit pixels; and atrench-shaped element isolation.
 18. The solid-state imaging deviceaccording to claim 17, wherein the element isolation is formed so as tosurround a specific one of the unit pixels.
 19. The solid-state imagingdevice according to claim 17, wherein each of the unit pixels includes:a first photoelectric conversion unit; and a second photoelectricconversion unit having a sensitivity lower than that of the firstphotoelectric conversion unit, and the element isolation is formed so asto surround the second photoelectric conversion unit.
 20. Thesolid-state imaging device according to claim 17, wherein the elementisolation includes Hf02, Al203, or Ta205.
 21. An electronic apparatuscomprising: a solid-state imaging device including: a pixel array unitin which a plurality of unit pixels are arranged; a drive unitconfigured to control an operation of the unit pixels; and atrench-shaped element isolation; a signal processing circuit configuredto process an output signal output from the solid-state imaging device;and an optical system configured to provide incident light to thesolid-state imaging device.